Issue - meetings

To consider a report from the Cabinet Member for Corporate and Democratic Services and the Director of Infrastructure, which provides an overview and update in respect of the joint strategic acquisition of the former Royal Mail Sorting Warehouse and Offices, Sandling Road, Maidstone, with Maidstone Borough Council, following the last update to the Sub-Committee in September 2016.

Simon Dodd (Investment and Development Consultant), Ros Adby (Head of Business Partnerships and Relationships) and Karen Ripley (Head of Property Strategy and Commissioning) were in attendance for this item

(1)       Mr Hotson (Cabinet Member for Corporate and Democratic Services) introduced the report which provided an overview and update of the strategic acquisition of the former Royal Mail Sorting Office in Maidstone.  Mr Hotson outlined the background to the acquisition, the partnership arrangements with Maidstone Borough Council and the constraints on development arising from the nature of the site.

(2)       Mr Dodd gave a presentation which gave an overview of the process, outlined some of the site’s constraints, set out the emerging options and concepts for development and indicated the proposed next steps in the project.

(3)       Following the presentation, Mr Hotson and officers answered Members’ questions.

(4)       Resolved that:

(a)       The report be noted;

(b)       Further information about the future of Thameslink and train services to and from Maidstone be provided to Members; and

(c)        Mr Hotson’s assurance that Members would receive further updates before any decision was made about the future of the site be noted.

To consider and endorse, or make recommendations on the proposed Cabinet Member decision

(1)       Mrs Spore (Director of Infrastructure) introduced the report and gave a presentation.  She then answered Members’ questions. 

(2)       Resolved that proposed decision to be taken by the Cabinet Member for Corporate and Democratic Services, as set out in the exempt report, be endorsed.

(Voting:  For 5; Against 1; Abstentions 0)